Katabaru

For New Yorkers constantly on the lookout for authentic and exquisitely prepared Japanese cuisine beyond the usual sushi spots, Katabaru in Brooklyn offers a delightful discovery. This establishment, described by patrons as an "amazing hidden gem," brings the rich culinary traditions of Japan's Kyushu region to Meserole Street. Unlike bustling, high-traffic venues, Katabaru provides a quieter, more intimate dining experience where every dish is "delicately and carefully prepared," promising a truly memorable and flavorful journey for discerning palates. If you appreciate thoughtful cooking, nuanced flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere, Katabaru is poised to become your new favorite Japanese restaurant in the city.

Katabaru is conveniently located at 128 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA. This address places it firmly within the vibrant and ever-evolving East Williamsburg/Bushwick border area, a neighborhood known for its artistic flair, diverse dining scene, and easy accessibility. For New Yorkers, reaching Katabaru is straightforward via public transportation. The L train's Montrose Avenue station is just a block away, providing quick and direct service to Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. This makes it an ideal spot for a weeknight dinner for locals or a destination for those venturing from other boroughs. Several bus lines also serve the vicinity, adding to its convenience. The surrounding area offers a mix of industrial charm, residential streets, and an eclectic array of bars and eateries, making it a dynamic neighborhood to explore before or after your meal. Despite its quiet demeanor on certain nights, its prime location ensures it's easily discoverable for those in search of genuine Japanese flavors.

Katabaru specializes in new Japanese cuisine and cocktails, drawing inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of the Kyushu region in Southern Japan. Their menu offers a delightful array of meticulously crafted dishes, focusing on quality and flavor:

• Inventive Japanese Cuisine: The menu features a variety of unique Japanese dishes that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques. Highlights include:
  • Appetizers & Small Plates: Items like Gobo Sticks, Edamame Peperoncino, Anchovy Fried Potatoes, Tofu Fire (light batter-fried tofu with sweet n' hot chili sauce), Kara-Age Fried Chicken, Smoked Pork Belly, Beef Carpaccio, Shrimp Tempura, Tuna Tataki, Hot Squid, and Hotate Crudo (raw Hokkaido scallops).
  • Salads: Notably the Gomadare Salad (arugula, sweet shiitake, daikon, red seaweed with sesame seed dressing) and Tofu Hijiki Salad.
• Donburi (Rice Bowls): A comforting selection of rice bowls, including Oyako Don, Katsu Don, Konokage Don (vegetarian option with red miso eggplant), Tsukimi Tori Don (deep-fried white meat popcorn chicken), Nanban Don (crispy white meat chicken tempura with nanban sauce), Yakiniku Don (tender beef slices), Una-Tama Don (eel with soft-cooked eggs), and Unagi Don (broiled whole eel fillet).
• Main Courses: Larger entrees such as Black Miso Chicken, White Miso Salmon, and Garlic Beef Steak (12 oz. Prime NY Strip).
• Dessert: A sweet finish with Matcha Tiramisu.
• Original Cocktails: Katabaru offers an array of original craft cocktails, meticulously designed to complement their food.
• Curated Japanese Beverages: An impressive selection of Kyushu sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskeys, providing authentic pairings for your meal. They also offer a selection of wines and beers.
• Dine-In Service: Providing a quiet and welcoming atmosphere for an unhurried dining experience.
• Takeout and Delivery: Available through platforms like Grubhub and Seamless, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy Katabaru's delicious offerings from the comfort of their homes.

Katabaru stands out with several distinct features that make it a cherished spot for New Yorkers:

• Exquisite Food Preparation and Flavor: The most consistent highlight is the phenomenal quality and delicate preparation of the food. Dishes are described as "fabulous," "delicately and carefully prepared," with "such tender delicious shiitake" and "finely shredded and crunchy" cabbage in the Nanban Donburi. The flavors are noted for their "great attention to flavor pairings," with the tofu sauce being "savory and lightly sweet."
• Regional Japanese Focus (Kyushu): Specializing in cuisine inspired by Japan's Kyushu region offers a unique culinary perspective not commonly found in all Japanese restaurants in NYC. This regional focus allows for distinct flavors and preparations that differentiate Katabaru.
• Sister Restaurant of Benemon: Being a sister restaurant to the well-regarded Benemon in Manhattan speaks to a lineage of quality and authentic Japanese dining, instilling confidence in new patrons.
• Standout Dishes: Specific menu items repeatedly earn praise, including the Gomadare Salad, Tofu Fire, Nanban Donburi (especially the chicken tempura and cabbage), and the Smoked Pork Belly and Kara-Age Fried Chicken. The Una Tama Don and Tsukimi Tori Don are also highly recommended.
• Tranquil and Unrushed Atmosphere: Reviewers appreciate the "very quiet and low traffic" ambiance, especially on weeknights, and the feeling of not being rushed. This offers a peaceful escape from the typical New York dining scene, making it ideal for intimate dinners or relaxed gatherings.
• Kind and Attentive Service: The staff is lauded for being "kind enough to give us recommendations" and for taking "great care" of guests, ensuring a pleasant and personalized dining experience.
• Inventive Cocktails and Curated Drink List: Beyond food, Katabaru's focus on original cocktails and a selection of Kyushu sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskeys adds another layer of sophistication to the dining experience.

While Katabaru is more focused on delivering a high-quality, authentic dining experience rather than frequent promotions, New Yorkers seeking value or special opportunities can consider the following:

• Lunch Specials (Potential): Many Japanese restaurants offer lunch sets or special bento boxes during weekday lunch hours. It is advisable to check Katabaru's website or call directly to inquire about any specific lunch deals that might offer a more accessible entry point to their cuisine.
• Seasonal Menu Updates: Their commitment to fresh, regional ingredients means their menu might feature seasonal specials or limited-time dishes, providing a dynamic "promotion" of unique flavors and ingredients that change throughout the year.
• Takeout/Delivery Deals (via Platforms): Keep an eye on popular food delivery platforms like Grubhub or Seamless. These platforms occasionally run exclusive promotions, discounts, or free delivery offers for local restaurants, including Katabaru.

For the most current information on any special offers, menu updates, or to inquire about catering or private events, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit Katabaru's official website, check their social media, or contact them directly at (917) 384-5621.

For New Yorkers eager to discover this hidden gem and experience the authentic flavors of Kyushu, here's how to get in touch with Katabaru:

• Address: 128 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA
• Phone: (917) 384-5621

Given its popularity and the desire for a tranquil dining experience, making a reservation, especially for dinner on weekends, is highly recommended to ensure you secure your spot at this delightful Japanese restaurant.

Katabaru is perfectly suited for New Yorkers who appreciate authentic, high-quality Japanese cuisine in a serene and welcoming setting. For locals seeking an escape from the city's often-chaotic dining scene, the "very quiet and low traffic" ambiance, particularly on a weekday night, offers a refreshing sense of calm and intimacy. This tranquil environment makes it an ideal spot for a romantic "date night" or simply a peaceful meal where conversation can flow easily, a true luxury in bustling New York.

The consistent praise for the "fabulous" food and its "delicately and carefully prepared" nature speaks directly to the discerning palates of New Yorkers who seek culinary excellence. The focus on regional Kyushu cuisine, with standout dishes like the "tender delicious shiitake" in the Gomadare salad, the perfectly textured Nanban Donburi, and the highly recommended pork belly, offers a unique and memorable gastronomic journey. This depth of flavor and attention to detail distinguishes Katabaru from more generic Japanese offerings in the city.

Moreover, the personal and attentive service, where staff are "kind enough to give us recommendations" and ensure guests feel "well taken care of" without being rushed, enhances the overall experience, aligning with the high expectations for service in New York's dining landscape. Its convenient location in East Williamsburg, easily accessible by public transport, ensures that this hidden gem is within reach for many, making it a compelling option for those seeking a tranquil and genuinely delicious Japanese meal. Katabaru offers New Yorkers a chance to slow down, savor exceptional food, and enjoy a truly authentic and unhurried Japanese dining experience right in their own borough.

Katabaru

128 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA